The Quidditch team gets pumped up before their match. Image courtesy of rmstewartphotography

Campus Recreation is well known at UTSA for its various services such as fitness equipment, intramural sports, group exercise classes, courts, personal training, aquatics center and even a demo kitchen to help cook nutritious meals on a college student’s budget. These services are available to all Roadrunner to make the most of their resources. However, a lesser known oppurtunity is the multitude of club sports offered by the university.

Clubs are born from student interest. All club sports teams are built and organized by students with the collaboration of Campus Recreation.

These Club Sports offer students the chance to perform and compete at a higher level with other students interested in the same sport. These teams can compete at UTSA, on other college campuses in Texas or even an occasional out of state venue.

Club Sports such as Quidditch, Ultimate Frisbee, Lacrosse, Golf and a handful of others are preparing to compete with other schools over the course of the spring semester. Work in the classroom, weight room and practice fields are getting Roadrunners ready both physically and mentally.

Kyle Hoyt, President of Club Golf, says he enjoys the experience. His favorite thing about being on the club is being at the tournaments. Through Club golf, students have the opportunity to meet new people, see new courses and have a great time.

“I’m looking forward to our tournaments this semester and getting to know everyone. Also, playing golf almost every day is what makes it worthwhile,” Hoyt said.

The club’s chemistry is coming together as well. “It’s pretty good,” Hoyt said. “We’re getting along and growing friendships.”

As club golf prepares for their upcoming tournaments, Quidditch is looking to build off a successful season and work for the national championship. They are ranked high amongst college teams in the United States and are working to prove that they belong.

David Keim spoke on the overall gaming experience that is Quidditch, “It’s always been about the relationships I’ve built with my team and the rest of the Quidditch community. It’s not like other sports where you always hate your rival. In Quidditch you hate them before and while you play. After that, everyone’s friends.”

Keim also talked about the team’s presence during the playoffs, “My favorite moment on the team was going to nationals last year and getting to break down barriers we hadn’t in previous seasons. A lot of people see us as a dark horse, and we want to prove them wrong and show them we aren’t here to be a surprise. We’re here as a main event,” said Keim.

Their goal for this season is to keep a good mentality and win nationals this year in Round Rock.

Being on a club has both pros and cons. For Keim, “Balancing being a student athlete lifestyle can be difficult, we have teammates who have demanding majors who require them to miss practice but they make up for it in the gym on their off time… But in the end it’s all worth it to play a sport you’re passionate about.”

On his personal experiences with the team, Keim believes his experience on the Quidditch team has been exciting.

UTSA’s Club Sports and their members are definitely making the most of their opportunities and making memories that will last a lifetime. For those interested in joining or creating a club team, more information can be found on the Campus Recreation website.